Hadleigh charity to become homeless

Jann Turner runs French's Care Haven for abused and neglected animals. She is looking for another site ANL-150630-141540009

A charity which cares for neglected horses and supports vulnerable people through farm related activities is appealing for help in finding a new home.

French’s Care Haven and Care Farm has been told its 18 acre base in Hadleigh is being sold and is now looking for a new site in the West Suffolk area - preferably in or around Bury.

The main feature of the initiative is the Care Haven which is a rescue centre for abandoned and neglected horses, ponies and any other animals.

Meanwhile, the Care Farm runs a rehabilitation, therapeutic and educational programme for people with mental health problems, depression, learning disabilities, drug or alcohol addiction history and disaffected young people.

Its founder Jann Turner says the Care Haven is at the ‘heart’ of the initiative which supports the work with vulnerable people from across the region.

She is appealing for anyone who has land to spare to get in touch so they can continue its support.

Having 16 horses the charity needs a minimum of 30 acres of grazing.

“I want to see if anyone has a redundant farm, area on their farm or something where we can have some land and outbuildings,” she said.

Mrs Turner has worked with horses for more than 40 years, is an equine and human physio and a neuro linguistic programming coach to help understand people’s behaviour.

She says the farm helps build confidence, develops skills and provides a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Giving an example of one man in his late 20s, Mrs Turner said: “He had shut down completely - didn’t leave the house and won’t communicate with anyone.

“We’ve got him out mowing the lawn and doing things because he likes gardening.

“He came to a curry night and a quiz night and his family can’t believe how much difference it’s made to him.

“We’ve had self harmers who have stopped self harming and people who’ve had no confidence and gotten a job. We aim to give them the confidence within themselves to be involved in society.”

Anyone who can help with the appeal can contact Jann Turner on 01473 833944 or email jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk